Mobile operator strategies - 28/1/06

China Unicom plans to invest about $1.85bn in mobile networks this year, of which $1.5bn in its GSM networks.

China people sent more than 300m SMS in 2005.

Orange France plans using GSM and GPS to track patients suffering from cognitive disorders like Alzheimer's.

China National Postal and Telecommunication Appliances Corporation (PTAC) sold 20m mobile phones units in 2005 (+66%) and accounts for 20% market share.

Vodafone signed a Partner Network Agreement with Telekom Malaysia in three countries (Malaysia, Indonesia and Sri Lanka).

T-Mobile introduces 3G service to Slovakia.

Verizon is interested to buy 45% Vodafone' s stake in Verizon Wireless.